HRCU WEEKLY ANALYSIS | 28TH APRIL TO 4TH MAY 2025
THE WEEK OF 28TH APRIL
TO 4TH MAY 2025
Dear Reader,
The Human
Rights Centre Uganda welcomes you to a new week and is pleased to share its
latest updates, focusing on human rights and key emerging issues from the past
week,particularly those impacting human rights defenders
(HRDs) in Uganda.
The
past week had quite so much that happened including the call for the release of
Eddie Mutwe
There
was news of tragic accidents including the one in which Rajiv Sudir lost his life
These
updates underscore critical areas that warrant the continued attention and
advocacy of human rights defenders, with the aim of steadily improving the
environment in which they operate.
NATIONAL
UPDATES
UK COURT TO SENTENCE JUSTICE MUGAMBE
TODAY
The Oxford
Crown Court in the United Kingdom is today expected to pass it’s sentence
against Ugandan Judge Lydia Mugambe, having been found guilty of modern
slavery.
Source:
MUHOOZI BOASTS ABOUT ABDUCTING AND
TORTURING BOBI WINE’S BODYGUARD EDDIE MUTWE
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of
Defence Forces, has publicly confirmed that Eddie Mutwe, bodyguard to NUP
leader Bobi Wine, was abducted and is currently in UPDF custody. Muhoozi made
the announcement on his official X account but did not disclose the charges or
legal basis for the detention.
Source:
https://observer.ug/news/muhoozi-gloats-in-abducting-torturing-bobi-wines-bodyguard-eddie-mutwe/
LAW SOCIETY DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OF EDDIE MUTWE, CONDEMNS UPDF'S ROLE IN ARBITRARY DETENTION
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has
strongly condemned the abduction and continued ‘incommunicado detention’ of
Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard to the
opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi
Wine and demands his release.
Source:
US HALTS FUNDING FOR UGANDA REGIONAL
HOSPITALS PROJECT AMID TOUGH TIMES
The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) has terminated its direct
government-to-government funding for a project aimed at strengthening Uganda’s
Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs), citing a shift in U.S. government
priorities under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Source:
https://www.ugstandard.com/tough-times-as-us-ends-funding-for-uganda-regional-hospitals-project/
KIZZA
BESIGYE,
OBED LUTALE,
CAPTAIN DENIS OOLA
FURTHER REMANDED UNTIL 21ST MAY 2025 OVER ALLEGED PLOT TO OVERTHROW GOVERNMENT
Veteran politician and former
presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Obed Lutale, and Captain
Denis Oola, who are facing terrorism charges, have been remanded until 21st May
2025.
Source:
EBOLA OUTBREAK DECLARED OVER, BUT
THREAT PERSISTS, SAYS GOVERNMENT
The
ministry of health has officially declared the country’s eighth Ebola outbreak
over according to international health regulations. This follows a 42-day
period without any infections reported.
Source:
URSB HANDS OVER MARRIAGE REGISTRATION
ROLE TO NIRA
The Uganda Registration Services
Bureau (URSB) has handed over marriage registration duties to the National
Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to streamline services.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/family/ursb-hands-over-marriage-registration-role-to-NV_209508
POLICE
MOURN FORMER ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SAM OMALA
The
Uganda Police Force is mourning the death of retired Assistant Commissioner of
Police (ACP) Sam Omala. ACP Omala was renowned for his distinguished service to
the Uganda Police Force during his tenure.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/police-mourn-former-assistant-commissioner-sa-NV_209711
SECURITY
FORCES SEAL OFF NUP HEADQUARTERS
The party head quarters in Makerere
Kavule, Kampala became a no-go zone for party loyalists as heaily armed
security personnel sealed off the venue, preventing any staff from acessing the
office.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/security-forces-seal-off-nup-headquarters-NV_209747
COURT EXONERATES SPEAKER ANITA AMONG OF MONEY
LAUNDERING ACCUSATIONS
The
Anti-Corruption Court has dismissed money laundering charges against Speaker
Anita Among, citing lack of merit. Justice Lawrence Gidudu's ruling ends the
high-profile case that had drawn significant public attention.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/court-exonerates-speaker-among-of-money-laund-NV_209719
ALL EYES ON LAWMAKERS AS POLITICAL
TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS
With barely eight months left until
the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2026, members of parliament are
now legally permitted to defect and join other political parties.
Source:
RIGHTS BODY LAUNCHES PRESS FREEDOM WEEK
To mark World Press Freedom Day, the
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has teamed up with the Uganda Media
Sector Working Group (UMSWG) to launch a week-long series of activities. The
initiative seeks to promote and safeguard press freedom throughout the country.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rights-body-launches-press-freedom-week-5021366
REGIONAL
UPDATES
SOMALI
PRIME MINISTER MAKES CABINET RESHUFFLE
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has
appointed Ahmed Moallim Figi, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the
new Minister of Defence. Abdisalan Abdi Ali Dhaay, the Second Deputy Prime
Minister, has been named the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/politics/somali-pm-makes-cabinet-reshuffle-NV_209716
KENYA MP'S MURDER APPEARS 'TARGETED
AND PREMEDITATED', POLICE SAY
Kenyan opposition MP Charles Ong’ondo
Were was shot dead on April 30, 2025, while stopped at a traffic light on Ngong
Road in Nairobi. Police believe the killing was targeted and premeditated, as a
motorcycle passenger fired on his car.
Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/1/kenya-mps-killing-appears-targeted-and-premeditated-police-say
RWANDA, CONGO AGREE TO DRAFT PEACE
DEAL BY MAY 2, 2025
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of
Congo have agreed to draft a peace deal by May 2, 2025, to resolve ongoing
tensions and security issues. The deal will focus on addressing border
violence, armed groups, and the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
TRUMP AND ZELENSKIY MEET ONE-ON-ONE IN
VATICAN BASILICA TO DISCUSS UKRAINE PEACE
U.S. President Donald Trump and
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately at the Vatican to discuss peace efforts
for Ukraine.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraines-zelenskiy-met-trump-rome-zelenskiys-office-says-2025-04-26/
INDIA
BAN PAKISTANI CHANNELS IN SOCIAL MEDIA CRACKDOWN
India
launched a sweeping crackdown on social media, banning more than a dozen
Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative content
following an attack in Kashmir.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/world/india-bans-pakistani-channels-in-social-media-NV_209726
CONCLAVE
TO ELECT NEW POPE SET FOR MAY 7,2025
The Vatican is preparing for a pivotal
moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, as the conclave is
set to elect a new pope
on May 7th, 2025. This historic event will shape the future direction of the
papacy and the global Catholic community.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/255653/conclave-to-elect-new-pope-set-for-may-7
WEEK'S
ANALYSIS
- The right to freedom from slavery and servitude is catered for under Article 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (amended). The same article provides that no person shall be subjected to forced labour. The sentencing of Justice Mugambe in the UK brings out the universality of human rights and the principles embedded in international, regional and national human rights standards. It is a call for all persons at all times to respect, promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. The Courts and legal systems must always be careful to ensure that in the dispensation of justice, all evidence and all standards are taken into consideration.
- Article 24 of the Constitution provides for the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Under Article 44 (a) and (b), the right to freedom from torture and the right freedom from slavery and servitude are nonderogable rights. Under no circumstance should any person be subjected to acts that dehumanize them. All stakeholders and persons in positions of authority should work towards the wellness of all citizens and protect them from any form of harassment, disrespect and abuse or violation of their rights.
- Further remanding of Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Hajji Obed Lutale alongside UPDF Captain Denis Oola by Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court raises questions of how long it shall take the trio to get out of prison. Their lawyers led by Erias Lukwago have consistently opposed the continued detention and harsh treatment alleging that they are being denied access to their families. In all actions, institutions of government are called upon to do wverything within the law and ensure that they aim to promote, protect and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. (Articles 23, 28, 29) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 9, 14, 19), particularly regarding arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of expression.
- Much as Uganda has declared an end to ebola outbreak, it remains the responsibility to care for themselves including keeping a clean and healthy environment. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for more robust health systems, enhanced preparedness, and increased regional cooperation to safeguard public health through the efforts of human rights defenders.
- The transfer of marriage registration responsibilities to the National Identification and Registration Authority seeks to improve efficiency through digital services. It is essential that this transition respects citizens' rights, including access to information and equality, as outlined in Uganda’s Constitution (Article 21) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19). Ensuring access to these services for all citizens is crucial for fairness and inclusivity. Human rights defenders are encouraged to assist individuals in utilizing these services. This will help safeguard the rights of citizens during the digital transition.
- Press freedom week in Uganda underscores the challenges of harassment and censorship of journalists, despite constitutional protections under Article 29 of Uganda’s Constitution (freedom of expression) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19). This calls for legal reforms to strengthen press protections and uphold democratic rights.
THANK YOU
FOR READING. LET US REFLECT A LITTLE BIT MORE. UNTIL NEXT WEEK!
Comments
Post a Comment